La Macchia Mediterranea is one of the main Mediterranean ecosystems. It is a form of vegetation consists of shrub species typically sclerophyllous, ie, with persistent leaves little large, leathery, glossy, medium height varies from 50 cm to 4 meters, it is often the formation of degradation of the Mediterranean forest. Mediterranean ecosystems are due to the biomes of some regions of the warm temperate zone where the climate is strongly influenced by the influence of the ocean. The most important aspect of a Mediterranean climate with alternating seasonal identified jointly defined by an uneven distribution of rainfall and mitigating the effect of ocean currents on the thermal regime. Mediterranean ecosystems are generally characterized by a limited extension in depth because at a certain distance from the coast of the moderating influence of the ocean or the sea fades and the weather is typically continental. This characteristic is accentuated orography of the territory, in terms of relatively short distances from the coast regions are bounded to the east or north-east by a mountain range over 2000 meters above sea level: the Andes in Chile, the Sierra Nevada in California, the Great Escarpment in South Africa, the Australian Alps in Australia. As far as the Mediterranean basin, the topography and morphology of the area is complex, but is also found in this case the presence of mountain barriers, represented by the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Ligurian Maritime Alps, Apennines, the mountain ranges of the Balkans, Anatolia, the Middle East.
Mediterranean basin.
It is the region that reaches more extensive in terms of both surface and longitude. The extension of the Mediterranean Sea from west to east along the 35 º parallel means that most regions bordering this sea enjoying a climate that would otherwise be interested in only part of the western regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. This climatic region spans three continents and over 20 states. The existence of periods of drought or longer means that many species protect themselves from excessive water loss from tissues. These plants, called xerofite generally have limited water requirements. Adaptations xerofitici most important are: • reduced development in various aspects of the foliage (leaves smaller and less numerous, shrub, short internodes, etc.). • leaves coriaceous to thickening of the cuticle; • greater or lesser degree of thorns and hairs; • ability to closure of stomata in leaf water stress conditions; • ability to go dormant in the dry season. Prevail in the Mediterranean ecosystems and those species xerofite mesophyte, those without special needs and adaptations. The incidence of one or the other in species composition depends on the microclimate stations driest significantly outweigh the xerofite, those in the cooler and rainy mesophyte. The plants may have mesophyte xerofitici behavior in the driest areas: for example, oak, tree species typically has a shrub in the drier stations. No shortage of adaptations to particular environmental conditions that occur in ecosystems children: in some stations also appear tropofite plants, specially adapted to withstand the alternation between periods of water logging and drought, or plants igrofite, found mainly along the watercourses.
Mild winters alternating with warm summers, means that many species are predominantly from the action to protect the high temperatures. These plants, called thermophilic have limited cold tolerance but are able to withstand high summer temperatures with anatomical or physiological adaptations. The most significant are: • evergreen habit, which can allow an intense vegetative activity in the best periods (spring and autumn) and often in winter. These plants, called sclerophyllous leaves have persisted for about 3 years and subject to a gradual replacement; • thickening of the lining tissues of both stem (cork) and leaf (cuticle); • Reducing the length of internodes resulting in formation of compact foliage that protects the primary branches with shadowing. In Mediterranean ecosystems dominated by species thermophilic and mesophilic ones. The incidence of one or the other in species composition largely depends on the altitude and to a lesser extent on the latitude: between 35 º and 40 º parallel, up to 900 meters prevail thermophilic species, so the vegetation is mainly represented by species evergreen, while more than its quota become the predominant species of deciduous. However there may be marked regional differences in terms of other environmental factors (mainland, winds, rainfall, etc.)..
Protected natural areas of Sicily comprise five regional parks and nature reserves seventy-six regional The Woods nature reserve of Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco and racks of Gorgo del Drago is a protected natural area of the Sicilian Region, established in 2000. The area of forest Ficuzza was born as a royal hunting ground established by Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, who built the "Casina Royal Hunting", which was built around the village of Ficuzza. At his death in 1825, the forest went to meet a period of decline, used intensively for grazing and timber production. In 1860, with the unification of Italy, the area becomes the property of the State Property of the Kingdom of Italy which gave the most deprived areas already 'cleared and broken up. The reserve protects the largest forested area of western Sicily, is home to many species of Quercus, including oak (Quercus ilex), cork (Quercus suber), oak (Quercus pubescens) and Quercus gussonei endemic. Other tree species are ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the maple (Acer campestre), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and the endemic Sicilian hackberry (Celtis very harsh). The shrub vegetation is represented by the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), the butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), from honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) dall'asparago thorny (Asparagus acutifolius), rose of San Giovanni (Rosa sempervirens), tree heather ( Erica arborea) and gorse (Calicotome spinosa). Among the herbaceous species worthy of mention include the spring cyclamen (Cyclamen repandum), the peony (Paeonia mascula), the Sicilian iris (Iris pseudopumila) and the endemic Purple Tineo (Viola tineorum). The area is home to many of the Rock Busambra endemic such as the Busambra cornflower (Centaurea busambarensis), wild onions of Busambra (Gagea busambarensis), the star of Sorrentino (Aster Sorrentino), grass-cross of Busambra (Valanti deltoid) Gussone of the pin (Armeria gussonei) and chamomile to Cupani (Anthemis cupaniana). At the foot of the Rock Busambra is also one of the few stations Sicilian Atropa belladonna. The reserve is home to a rich contingent of orchids including the endemic Ophrys pallida, and lunulata Ophrys Ophrys fusca subsp. obese but also bertolonii Ophrys, Ophrys tenthredinifera, provincialis Orchis, Orchis italica, Anacamptis longicornu, Serapias language and many others. Of the large mammals once found today are found only the deer and wild boar (Sus scrofa), both re-introduced by the operator within a few controlled areas. Other species are the fox (Vulpes vulpes), hare (Lepus corsicanus), wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild cat (Felis silvestris), marten (Martes martes), weasels (Mustela nivalis), the ' porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).
Egyptian vulture
Very rich bird life that includes species such as the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), great tit (Parus major), hoopoe (Upupa epops), jays (Garrulus glandarius), mountain biking (Certhia brachydactyla) and woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), to name a few. Among the predators deserve a special mention as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the black kite (Milvus migrans) and the red kite (Milvus Milvus). Among the reptiles are reported in the viper (Vipera aspis), the grass snake (Natrix natrix), the rat snake (Hierophis viridiflavus), the green lizard (Lacerta bilineata), the green lizard (Podarcis wagleriana), tortoises Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni and Testudo marginata, Emys orbicularis and the marsh. Among the amphibians is the common toad Bufo bufo. Among the many species of insects should be reported the presence of rare beetle Carabus Famine.
The Nature Reserve of Trapani and Paceco Saline Of Phoenician origin, the Arab geographer al-Idrisi documents the presence of salt already in the period of Norman rule in Sicily. Under the reign of Frederick II was set up the state monopoly on salt production, which also continued during the rule of the Angevin. They were later the Aragonese to sanction a return to private ownership, but was under the Spanish crown that the activity of salt production reached its peak, making the port of Trapani in the most important European center of commerce in the precious element. With the unification of Italy and competition from the Salinas Cagliari began the decline of salt from Trapani, accentuated by the outbreak of the Second World War and from foreign competition. Many of saline were discontinued or abandoned. Remain the windmills, which are used for two purposes: to grind the salt, or to pump water from one tank to another .. After the establishment of the Reserve in 1995, and its expectation under management as of WWF Italy, has seen a new boost production and processing of salt by the Sosalt, with the approval of restoration and recovery of abandoned plant. The Reserve covers a coastline area almost a thousand hectares, divided into Zone A of the Reserve (707 ha) and zone B of the Pre-Reserve (278.75 ha), on the border between the towns of Trapani and Paceco. Much of the reserve consists of privately owned salt, which is still practiced in the extraction of salt using traditional techniques in use for centuries. Significant impact on the landscape of the presence of many windmills used to pump water between the basins. Beyond that value ethno-anthropological, the site is characterized by being one of the most important coastal wetlands in western Sicily, staging environment for many species of migratory birds The environment of saline, highly saline, is home to numerous species of grasses and shrubs have adapted to extreme environmental conditions that this area presents. Thrive along the banks of the tanks several species of Chenopodiaceae, of which deserve special mention salicornia strobilacea (Halocnemum strobilaceum), especially suffruticosa described in a few other stations in Sicily and Sardinia, and Halopeplis amplexicaulis. Among other important species, we find: Calendula maritima, a rare endemic species whose range is restricted to the coastal area between the Lagoon of Marsala and Mount Hood, the so-called mushroom Malta (cynomorium coccineum), present not only in this 'area, in limited coastal areas of Sardinia and Basilicata. Others worthy of mention are endemic Limonium densiflorum, Limonium lojaconoi, Limonium thou wast, Limonium ferulaceum the pithyusa Euphorbia subsp. Cupani, the Cressa cretica, Aeluropus the lagopoides and Limoniastrum monopetalum. The area of the reserve is of special interest in birds as it is a rest area on the route of migration to Africa. Considering both species nesting and wintering birds have been recorded as 196 different species of birds including the avocet, chosen as the symbol of the Reserve, the Flamingo, Spoonbill, the Great Egret, the Little Egret, Bittern, the Gabbiano rosy the Kingfisher, the marsh harrier, the Knight of Italy, the little tern, Kentish, Calandrella and the various species of ducks. There are also numerous species of rare insects such as beetles Cicindela Cicindela litorea circumdata and the orthopteran Platycleis elymica Teia dubia and the Butterfly. Finally Worth a mention in the presence of brackish pools Artemia salina, a small crustacean of the order Anostraca, adapted to extreme conditions, the subject of numerous scientific studies.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
The coast of the Gypsy is one of the few stretches of the coast of Sicily is not contaminated by the presence of a coastal road. In 1976 he had already started work on the construction of coastal-Scopello San Vito Lo Capo, but following a series of environmental initiatives in the world, culminating in a partecipatissima protest march that took place May 18, 1980, the Regional State Forests of the Sicilian Region is committed to expropriate the area of the Gypsy recognized of great environmental interest. With the Regional Law 98/81, the reserve was officially established, the first nature reserve of Sicily, headed by the company management in the Regional State Forests The Reserve lies in the western Gulf of Castellammare, in San Vito Lo Capo peninsula overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea between Castellammare del Golfo and Trapani. The coast is formed from Quaternary calcarenites and limestone hills of dolomitic nature of the Mesozoic, with cliffs from a height of 913 m (Monte Speziale) slope steeply towards the sea, interspersed with numerous coves. The reserve is home to about 670 taxa infragenerici plants, some of which are endemic and rare. Of these 502 are Dicotyledons, Monocotyledons 153 3 10 Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Of particular interest is the lichen flora that includes 130 species for the reserve while the mosses are 35 known species. Finally, were detected in the territory of the Reserve also 27 species of fungi (macromycetes) whose family is more representative of the Tricholomataceae. Seagrass species are endemic ripsetto 6.3% of total species of the Reserve and 1, 6% of the flora of the region.
Mediterranean ecosystemsare represented in different, partially modified by residues of agricultural activities. The original landscape consisted mostly of evergreen Mediterranean forest (forest xerophilous) whose traces are still represented by areas of ilex, where accommodations are small ferns, cyclamen, bushes of holly (Ilex aquifolium), and, at the western border of the Reserve Even fragments of cork, the testimony of the cork oak forest formation now almost completely disappeared in western Sicily.
The currently most peculiar aspect of the Reserve, however, is a palmetto scrubland, which features extensive areas of the coastal landscape and in Contrada Zingaro, where there are specimens of Chamaerops humilis, which reaches 2-3 m in height, is relevant to scrub . The predominant landscape in coastal areas is characterized by low scrub Spartianus hairy (Calycotome villosa), the broom (Spartium junceum), wild thyme (Thymus vulgaris), the Erica multiflora, the wild olive (Olea europea var.sylvestris ) and the spurge (Euphorbia dendroides). There are also the laurel (Laurus nobilis), mallow (Malva sylvestris), the caper (Capparis spinosa), wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Among the rocky outcrops grow buttercups (Ranunculus rupestris), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) and the endemic Allium Lehman. Among the species introduced to cultivation include finally the almond (Prunus dulcis), the manna ash (Fraxinus ornus), the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and vines (Vitis vinifera). The Mediterranean grassland to ampelodesma, is the dominant aspect of the plant landscape of the upper part of the Reserve and is represented mainly by the disabled (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) and the Mediterranean poodle (Hyparrhenia hirta), which also hosts endemic species spinosetto thyme (Thymus spinulosus) The Sicilian iris (Iris pseudopumila), the Zafferanetto Linares (Romulea linares), the larkspur (Delphinium emarginatum) and Silene sicula, and uncommon species such as the esoteric autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis). Have been described more than 40 endemic species, including the rare deserves a special mention of Todaro lavender (Limonium todaroanum) found at 750 m high cliffs of Mount Passo del Lupo, exclusive of the Gypsy. Also found Limonium scourged, endemic in the exclusive stretch of coast between the Gypsy and Balestrate; Helichrysum rupestre var. rock, Dianthus rupicola, Centaurea ucriae, Brassica bivoniana, Helichrysum pendulum, Seseli bites, Brassica drepanensis, Hieracium cophanense, Minuartia verna subsp. grandiflora, Lithodora rosmarinifolia, Convolvulus cneorum. The reserve is home to over 25 species of orchids finally including the crescent orchid (Ophrys lunulata), endemic to Sicily, and sub-endemic Branciforte Orchis, Ophrys and oxyrrhynchos Neotinea switched.
Reserve well in 39 species of nesting birds such as peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), one of the last ten couples in Sicily the Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), buzzard (Buteo buteo) and the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus); is uncertain but the nesting of the red kite (Milvus Milvus). During the period of migration were also seen specimens of golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Other birds are the Common Raven (Corvus corax), black bunting (Emberiza cirlus), the blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), the seagull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), the wild pigeon (Columba livia) The Common Swift (Apus apus), the pallid swift (Apus pallidus), the hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix), the magpie (Pica pica), the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos). Among the nocturnal birds are the owl (Athene noctua) and the tawny owl (Strix aluco). Among the mammals are widespread the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). There are also weasels (Mustela nivalis), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and porcupine (Hystrix cristata), among rodents, the Savi vole (Microtus wise) and the rat dormouse (Eliomys quercinus). In the numerous caves in the Reserve harbored eight different species of bats including the rare brown-eared (Plecotus auritus), the horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), the miniottero (Miniopterus schreibersii) albolimbato and the bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii). In the past, was also present including the monk seal (Monachus monachus), seen for the last time in the caves of Gypsy in 1972. Among the reptiles are vipers (Vipera aspis), the snake (Coluber viridiflavus), the gongilo (Chalcides ocellatus), gecko (Tarentola mauritanica), the green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) and two species of lizard, Podarcis sicula and the Podarcis wagleriana less common. In an area rich in the reserve pools of water (for drinking district ACCI) is possible to find a rare species of amphibians, discoglosso painting (Discoglossus pictus), not present in other regions of Italy and one of the rarest arthropod of our country, the freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile). They identified several species of insects including the carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea), a solitary bee which deposits its larvae in tunnels dug into the trunks of dead trees, the beautiful Vanessa atalanta, the only butterfly that spends the winter in these places also to adulthood, the panfago (Pamphagus marmoratus), a large grasshopper could not fly. A special mention, with reference to coastal marine life, then it deserves the presence of large areas of the Reserve to trottoir vermeti, an important biostructure typical of the Mediterranean Sea, in many ways similar to coral reefs. Its growth is tied to a process of cementing the shells of two species of snails of the family of Vermetidi: the Dendropoma petraeum and Vermetus triquetrus. The importance of this biostructure is related to its ability to change the appearance and ecological characteristics of rocky shores, expanding the space available to the species, encouraging biodiversity of associated populations. Among the life forms that inhabit the rock pools include the Actinia equina, commonly known as tomato water, and Anemonia sulcata called Venus hair, different species of coral-colored and intense as the Astroides calycularis Parazoanthus axinellae, and numerous species of small fish, including various species of wrasse and blennies, the succiascoglio (Lepadogaster lepadogaster) and redfish (Scorpaena scrofa).
Madonie Park Madonie Park is a regional nature reserve established in 1989, comprises fifteen municipalities in the province of Palermo in Sicily (Caltavuturo, Castelbuono, Castellana Sicula, Cefalù, Collesano, Geraci Siculus, Gratteri, Isnello, Petralia, Petralia Sottana, Polizzi Generosa, Pollina, San Mauro Castelverde, Scylla and Sclafani Bagni). Includes Madonie massif, situated on the northern coast of Sicily, between the rivers and Imera Pollina. The park hosts more than half of plant species in Sicily, and in particular most of those present only in Sicily (Abies nebrodensis as endangered in Vallone Madonna degli Angeli). For fauna, there are over half the species of birds, all species of mammals and more than half of the invertebrate species in Sicily. Noteworthy are also the geological features. The geology Madonie is the focus of studies and research avviatisi since the sixties. Due to the geological interest of the mountain since 2003 madonita Madonie Park has joined the European Geopark Network in groups more than twenty parks geological and non-Europeans. The park is managed by the Park Madonie, based in Petralia Sottana and covers 39,941 hectares, divided into four separate areas to protect: • A: Area of reserve, in which thenatural environment is preserved in its integrity and that is, in all its natural attributes, especially in individuality of biological populations and in their independence. In such areas are identified, in principle, ecosystems and ecotones (or parts thereof) of great naturalistic interest, presenting a relatively minimal human activity. For these areas, the Park Authority Madonie proceeded gradually acquiring the relevant areas; • B: Area of the general reserve which is forbidden to build new buildings, expand existing buildings, perform works by transforming the area. In these areas may be permitted by the management of the park uses agro-forestry-pastoral and strictly necessary infrastructure such as access roads, improvement works and reconstruction of natural environments. Within these areas are identified, in principle, ecosystems and ecotones (or parts thereof) of high quality nature and landscape with higher degree of human activity in relation to Area A; • C: Protection Zone which may only be buildings, building transformations and specifically aimed at exploiting the land for establishing the Park as tourist facilities, cultural and parking areas; • D: Control Area in which all activities are allowed provided they are compatible with the purposes of the park. Madonie Mountains, which border on the two thousand meters high, are broken down into a mosaic of blocks, which is only apparent physical uniformity. It will not be difficult for many to recognize the substantial differences between the central areas of limestone, with morphology rough and tough, and remote areas, to sandy-clayey nature, characterized by morphology much sweeter. Madonie'm represented in the fossil record, allowing you to speculate on the original environment of the area. They were thus reconstructed landscapes with great ocean reefs secondary age, then covered in the Tertiary on their way between Africa and Europe from sediments of various kinds. For example, one such comes Cozzo Rosolocollo foraminifera (the fusuline), bivalve molluscs, and even sponges (sponges) and algae dating back to the age of approximately 250 million years. The rocks in which they are among the oldest known sedimentary rocks in Sicily, together with those found at Lercara Friddi and Palazzo Adriano. Still on the road to meet Portella Colla calcareous clay and greenish or yellowish bluish gray limestone whose content consists of bivalves and gastropods hands cemented together to form the so-called lumachelle. On the rocks of the rocky banks are Mufara dolomitic nature of the content of fossils, typical of reef environments, allows us to date the formation of 200 to 150 million years ago. The rocks are dolomitization as well as Monte Quacella (the Alps, Sicily, known as the eminent botanist Lojacono Pojer), even in the wall of Cozzo Dipilato (Isnello above), however when you open several caves, interesting from the point of view archaeological artefacts dating from the Upper Palaeolithic. Piano Battaglia in the beautiful landscape of the gray carbonate rocks include fossils testifying sediments of different ages: the case of a cliff Jurassic period (150 million years ago) built by organisms such as corals and other coelenterates fouling, in the lower layer can be observed instead sponges and corals of the Triassic age. The karst is a phenomenon well-represented in the Madonie; karst processes resulted in one of the most picturesque spots in these mountains. The surface manifestations are represented by sinkholes, death valleys, sinkholes, underground caves, wells and real deep. Superficial ones are the most obvious aspect of karst Madonie, especially in Carbonara, where karst processes appear to have started about two million years ago, during the Quaternary, especially in developing glacial phases. These processes are still active, both the climatic characteristics determined by high rainfall (more than twice the regional average), and the persistence of the snowpack at higher altitudes, allowing a prolonged corrosion. They met at least four sinkholes, most of which are located above 1600 meters of altitude. Another form of karst is particularly interesting to Battaglietta Piano Battaglia and, moreover, one of the best known of Sicily. The two depressions, with the bottom of sinkholes, represent the largest and most beautiful karst landscape of the complex Carbonara, by the many sinkholes, blind valleys and sinkholes, is an area of study, from the scientific point of view, between the most important in Italy. The underground karst caves is represented by a horizontal and vertical development wells and depths, corresponding to processes occurring during the early stages of slow lifting of the region, the latter processes occurring in coincidence of phases of rapid uplift. The cavities are mostly in solid Dipilato Pizzo, Balatelle Monte, Monte Ferro and Cozzo Carcarella. Near Isnello of formations are spectacular, as the Abyss of the Wind, the Cave of mosquitoes and the Cave of the Straw.
The areas most natural Madonie remain as mountain, most of which is covered by forests, scrubland, scrub and grassland rich in herbaceous plants and shrubs. There are several species of endemic plants, ie, exclusive of the sun Madonie or Sicily. The case certainly best known of endemism is madonita Nebrodi fir (Abies nebrodensis) which owes its name to the fact that in ancient times to mean the Nebrodi Madonie; for the same reason many species of plants and animals described in this complex range named "nebrodensis", which today can lead to misunderstandings. Have been surveyed now less than thirty specimens, concentrated in the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli at an altitude of between 1400 and 1650 meters. In recent times, after a careful design of in situ conservation has begun to produce cones with fertile seeds, and this bodes well for its long-term preservation. Accurate searches were conducted by the University of Palermo in order to ascertain whether there is a risk of hybridization with the specimens of spruce or white spruce planted in Kefalonia, after reforestation projects in areas surrounding all'areale dell'Abies nebrodensis . Another endemic species is of considerable interest Nebrodi astragalus (also exclusive of the sun Madonie), a shrubby tree bearing spiny-shaped, very similar to the talus Etna and vegetating over 1200 meters. We still remember the broom Cupani, a small broom with similar characteristics to the talus (bush-shaped bearing spiny), particularly common in Monte Catarineci, the Sicilian fairy flax, exclusive of Quacella the Alisso Nebrodi, garlic Nebrodi Nebrodi and purple. Plants of particular bio-geographic meaning is still the mountain flax, present not only on Madonie (Quacella), even in the Balkans and in some mountain areas of North Africa, Sicily sorcerers, isolatasi probably during the Quaternary and evolved from the wizards Syria, and finally the very elegant and rare royal fern, tied to sources and peat areas in the woods or on the edge of them. The band between 400 and 100 meters above sea level is characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate vegetation (oak forest), which are well represented species such as heather, the Spartianus spiny broom, the cyst and the Strawberry Tree. A discrete Madonie surface is covered by evergreen and deciduous forests, typically Mediterranean formations in part and in part typical of central Europe. The most common species are oak, the oak, the cork oak, holly, oak and beech. Of particular interest is the oak forest of Monte Quacella, where their encounter with the typical Mediterranean oak beech, instead of the typical central Europe. The fact is unusual because the two plant formations, beech and oak forest, usually the intervening mixed oak deciduous or another type of vegetation characterized by holly, oak and elm mountain. The cork, like the oak, a tree is typically Mediterranean vegetation Madonie between 40 and 1000 meters, sometimes mixed with oaks and oak, the oak grows mainly in a band ranging from 400 to 1200 meters above sea level, often associated with other species. The holly tree that can reach fifty feet in height (such as the nucleus of exceptional Piano Pomo), is an evergreen species characterizing a type of wood usually found among the formations of Mediterranean oak forest and beech forests and often s'associa the mountain oak and elm. The oak may be present, though rarely, in training as well as a meal plan and Pomieri. In the range between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level is found in a particular type of vegetation according to the botanical features "crocuses band" (the name of Colchis Caucasus where it is well represented). This is a part of an evergreen forest in temperate humid climate, dominated by the holly and the oak, maple which s'associano of Hungary, the mountain elm, hawthorn of Sicily, the crab-apple tree, the holly, Daphnia Laurella, etc ... will be found also deciduous species such as oaks, oak, beech, and sycamore. Finally, the beech grows above 1000 meters of finding its optimum at 1600-1700 m altitude; Madonie reaches the extreme southern limit of the western species, which is particularly widespread in Central Europe.
Broom In spring the abundance of water gives rise to a massive bloom of plants. The dominant colors are green clovers, vetch and wheat of the sulleti of red, yellow of the gorse on the edge of waterways. In rocky areas and highest in the park, flowering only takes place between late May and June, with orchids, peonies, roses dog, the wild lilies. At the first spring sunshine here is the white flowers of heather trees, pears Mandorlini or blackthorn. And still that of pink daffodils, species infesting wild charm. In fall within the spot and under the great oaks of the park fruiting strawberry tree, the rowan and azzeruoli
Animal as there are foxes (Vulpes vulpes), weasel (Mustela nivalis), porcupines (or hedgehogs), hares (Lepus europaeus), wild rabbits, iil rare dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius), wildcats (Felis silvestris), pine martens (Martes martes), dormice (Glis glis). For birds we can mention the species linked to the bush and the forest: blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), great tits (Parus major), blue tits (Parus caeruleus), more tits (Parus ater), subalpine warblers, warbler, nuthatches (Sitta europaea) , Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), biking (Certhia familiaris), blackbirds, wrens and even firecrests and the raven. During the winter it is quite common in the undergrowth the woodcock, which uses during the night in the glades and pastures to the forest to search for food. Birds of prey are the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), whose wingspan of over two meters, or the smaller Bonelli's eagle, peregrine falcons, Lanari, kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), hobbies and buzzards (Buteo buteo) and yet fools, little owls (Athene noctua), scops owls (Otus scops) and barn owls (Tyto alba). In rocky areas can be observed thrushes, replaced by over 1400 meters codirossini rare, and still muciatti buntings, Northern Wheatear, flounder lagie, redstart and Chough, in serious decline throughout Europe, while they still live in a decent Madonie population, who used to play some karst manifestations, such as sinkholes. Another common inhabitant of the rocks Madonie is the rock partridge, in many areas of Sicily, now thin or missing, but still very present in these mountains and widespread. Are missing the deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), wild boar and the wolf (Canis lupus), once a well-circulated. Even among the birds have become extinct species like the great bearded vulture (whose wing span of nearly three meters), the Mina Palumbo is still in the nineteenth century in the nesting cliff Gonato, or griffon vulture, whose last specimens were observed just a couple of decades ago. At one time also lived the eagle owl, which is now extinct in Sicily. The fauna of the rivers is very thin in recent years due to water catchment areas and interventions nell'alveo of rivers by man. While they are still widespread and the white wagtail wagtail, it is doubtful if there is still some residual population of dipper (Cinclus cinclus), a species adapted to aquatic life. Although reptiles and amphibians are well represented in Madonie: lizards, gongili, luscengole, geckos, white lead, water snakes, vipers, frogs, toads and Discoglosso are present and widespread in suitable environments. Invertebrates include several endemic species such as the "Apollo of Parnassus Sicily", an elegant butterfly exclusive of the highest areas, the "Platicleide of Conci," a kind of grasshopper, and, among the beetles, the "Rizotrogo Romano" and "Schurmann of Sicily." At high altitudes there are still grasshopper Stenobotro underlined the afodio of Zenker, Boreal and Sicilian, whose food source is in the dung of herbivores, and Carabo gliding.
La Macchia Mediterranea is one of the main Mediterranean ecosystems.
It is a form of vegetation consists of shrub species typically sclerophyllous, ie, with persistent leaves little large, leathery, glossy, medium height varies from 50 cm to 4 meters, it is often the formation of degradation of the Mediterranean forest.
Mediterranean ecosystems are due to the biomes of some regions of the warm temperate zone where the climate is strongly influenced by the influence of the ocean. The most important aspect of a Mediterranean climate with alternating seasonal identified jointly defined by an uneven distribution of rainfall and mitigating the effect of ocean currents on the thermal regime. Mediterranean ecosystems are generally characterized by a limited extension in depth because at a certain distance from the coast of the moderating influence of the ocean or the sea fades and the weather is typically continental. This characteristic is accentuated orography of the territory, in terms of relatively short distances from the coast regions are bounded to the east or north-east by a mountain range over 2000 meters above sea level: the Andes in Chile, the Sierra Nevada in California, the Great Escarpment in South Africa, the Australian Alps in Australia. As far as the Mediterranean basin, the topography and morphology of the area is complex, but is also found in this case the presence of mountain barriers, represented by the Pyrenees, the Alps and the Ligurian Maritime Alps, Apennines, the mountain ranges of the Balkans, Anatolia, the Middle East.
Mediterranean basin.
It is the region that reaches more extensive in terms of both surface and longitude. The extension of the Mediterranean Sea from west to east along the 35 º parallel means that most regions bordering this sea enjoying a climate that would otherwise be interested in only part of the western regions of the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco. This climatic region spans three continents and over 20 states.The existence of periods of drought or longer means that many species protect themselves from excessive water loss from tissues. These plants, called xerofite generally have limited water requirements. Adaptations xerofitici most important are:
• reduced development in various aspects of the foliage (leaves smaller and less numerous, shrub, short internodes, etc.).
• leaves coriaceous to thickening of the cuticle;
• greater or lesser degree of thorns and hairs;
• ability to closure of stomata in leaf water stress conditions;
• ability to go dormant in the dry season.
Prevail in the Mediterranean ecosystems and those species xerofite mesophyte, those without special needs and adaptations. The incidence of one or the other in species composition depends on the microclimate stations driest significantly outweigh the xerofite, those in the cooler and rainy mesophyte. The plants may have mesophyte xerofitici behavior in the driest areas: for example, oak, tree species typically has a shrub in the drier stations.
No shortage of adaptations to particular environmental conditions that occur in ecosystems children: in some stations also appear tropofite plants, specially adapted to withstand the alternation between periods of water logging and drought, or plants igrofite, found mainly along the watercourses.
Mild winters alternating with warm summers, means that many species are predominantly from the action to protect the high temperatures. These plants, called thermophilic have limited cold tolerance but are able to withstand high summer temperatures with anatomical or physiological adaptations. The most significant are:
• evergreen habit, which can allow an intense vegetative activity in the best periods (spring and autumn) and often in winter. These plants, called sclerophyllous leaves have persisted for about 3 years and subject to a gradual replacement;
• thickening of the lining tissues of both stem (cork) and leaf (cuticle);
• Reducing the length of internodes resulting in formation of compact foliage that protects the primary branches with shadowing.
In Mediterranean ecosystems dominated by species thermophilic and mesophilic ones. The incidence of one or the other in species composition largely depends on the altitude and to a lesser extent on the latitude: between 35 º and 40 º parallel, up to 900 meters prevail thermophilic species, so the vegetation is mainly represented by species evergreen, while more than its quota become the predominant species of deciduous. However there may be marked regional differences in terms of other environmental factors (mainland, winds, rainfall, etc.)..
Protected natural areas of Sicily comprise five regional parks and nature reserves seventy-six regional
The Woods nature reserve of Ficuzza, Rocca Busambra, Bosco and racks of Gorgo del Drago is a protected natural area of the Sicilian Region, established in 2000.
The area of forest Ficuzza was born as a royal hunting ground established by Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, who built the "Casina Royal Hunting", which was built around the village of Ficuzza. At his death in 1825, the forest went to meet a period of decline, used intensively for grazing and timber production. In 1860, with the unification of Italy, the area becomes the property of the State Property of the Kingdom of Italy which gave the most deprived areas already 'cleared and broken up. The reserve protects the largest forested area of western Sicily, is home to many species of Quercus, including oak (Quercus ilex), cork (Quercus suber), oak (Quercus pubescens) and Quercus gussonei endemic. Other tree species are ash (Fraxinus excelsior), the maple (Acer campestre), chestnut (Castanea sativa) and the endemic Sicilian hackberry (Celtis very harsh).
The shrub vegetation is represented by the hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), the butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus), from honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium) dall'asparago thorny (Asparagus acutifolius), rose of San Giovanni (Rosa sempervirens), tree heather ( Erica arborea) and gorse (Calicotome spinosa).
Among the herbaceous species worthy of mention include the spring cyclamen (Cyclamen repandum), the peony (Paeonia mascula), the Sicilian iris (Iris pseudopumila) and the endemic Purple Tineo (Viola tineorum).
The area is home to many of the Rock Busambra endemic such as the Busambra cornflower (Centaurea busambarensis), wild onions of Busambra (Gagea busambarensis), the star of Sorrentino (Aster Sorrentino), grass-cross of Busambra (Valanti deltoid) Gussone of the pin (Armeria gussonei) and chamomile to Cupani (Anthemis cupaniana). At the foot of the Rock Busambra is also one of the few stations Sicilian Atropa belladonna.
The reserve is home to a rich contingent of orchids including the endemic Ophrys pallida, and lunulata Ophrys Ophrys fusca subsp. obese but also bertolonii Ophrys, Ophrys tenthredinifera, provincialis Orchis, Orchis italica, Anacamptis longicornu, Serapias language and many others.
Of the large mammals once found today are found only the deer and wild boar (Sus scrofa), both re-introduced by the operator within a few controlled areas. Other species are the fox (Vulpes vulpes), hare (Lepus corsicanus), wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus), wild cat (Felis silvestris), marten (Martes martes), weasels (Mustela nivalis), the ' porcupine (Hystrix cristata) and hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).
Egyptian vulture
Very rich bird life that includes species such as the blue tit (Cyanistes caeruleus), great tit (Parus major), hoopoe (Upupa epops), jays (Garrulus glandarius), mountain biking (Certhia brachydactyla) and woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), to name a few.
Among the predators deserve a special mention as the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), the black kite (Milvus migrans) and the red kite (Milvus Milvus).
Among the reptiles are reported in the viper (Vipera aspis), the grass snake (Natrix natrix), the rat snake (Hierophis viridiflavus), the green lizard (Lacerta bilineata), the green lizard (Podarcis wagleriana), tortoises Testudo graeca, Testudo hermanni and Testudo marginata, Emys orbicularis and the marsh.
Among the amphibians is the common toad Bufo bufo.
Among the many species of insects should be reported the presence of rare beetle Carabus Famine.
The Nature Reserve of Trapani and Paceco Saline
Of Phoenician origin, the Arab geographer al-Idrisi documents the presence of salt already in the period of Norman rule in Sicily. Under the reign of Frederick II was set up the state monopoly on salt production, which also continued during the rule of the Angevin. They were later the Aragonese to sanction a return to private ownership, but was under the Spanish crown that the activity of salt production reached its peak, making the port of Trapani in the most important European center of commerce in the precious element. With the unification of Italy and competition from the Salinas Cagliari began the decline of salt from Trapani, accentuated by the outbreak of the Second World War and from foreign competition. Many of saline were discontinued or abandoned.
Remain the windmills, which are used for two purposes: to grind the salt, or to pump water from one tank to another ..
After the establishment of the Reserve in 1995, and its expectation under management as of WWF Italy, has seen a new boost production and processing of salt by the Sosalt, with the approval of restoration and recovery of abandoned plant.
The Reserve covers a coastline area almost a thousand hectares, divided into Zone A of the Reserve (707 ha) and zone B of the Pre-Reserve (278.75 ha), on the border between the towns of Trapani and Paceco.
Much of the reserve consists of privately owned salt, which is still practiced in the extraction of salt using traditional techniques in use for centuries. Significant impact on the landscape of the presence of many windmills used to pump water between the basins.
Beyond that value ethno-anthropological, the site is characterized by being one of the most important coastal wetlands in western Sicily, staging environment for many species of migratory birds
The environment of saline, highly saline, is home to numerous species of grasses and shrubs have adapted to extreme environmental conditions that this area presents.
Thrive along the banks of the tanks several species of Chenopodiaceae, of which deserve special mention salicornia strobilacea (Halocnemum strobilaceum), especially suffruticosa described in a few other stations in Sicily and Sardinia, and Halopeplis amplexicaulis.
Among other important species, we find: Calendula maritima, a rare endemic species whose range is restricted to the coastal area between the Lagoon of Marsala and Mount Hood, the so-called mushroom Malta (cynomorium coccineum), present not only in this 'area, in limited coastal areas of Sardinia and Basilicata.
Others worthy of mention are endemic Limonium densiflorum, Limonium lojaconoi, Limonium thou wast, Limonium ferulaceum the pithyusa Euphorbia subsp. Cupani, the Cressa cretica, Aeluropus the lagopoides and Limoniastrum monopetalum.
The area of the reserve is of special interest in birds as it is a rest area on the route of migration to Africa. Considering both species nesting and wintering birds have been recorded as 196 different species of birds including the avocet, chosen as the symbol of the Reserve, the Flamingo, Spoonbill, the Great Egret, the Little Egret, Bittern, the Gabbiano rosy the Kingfisher, the marsh harrier, the Knight of Italy, the little tern, Kentish, Calandrella and the various species of ducks.
There are also numerous species of rare insects such as beetles Cicindela Cicindela litorea circumdata and the orthopteran Platycleis elymica Teia dubia and the Butterfly.
Finally Worth a mention in the presence of brackish pools Artemia salina, a small crustacean of the order Anostraca, adapted to extreme conditions, the subject of numerous scientific studies.
Zingaro Nature Reserve
The coast of the Gypsy is one of the few stretches of the coast of Sicily is not contaminated by the presence of a coastal road. In 1976 he had already started work on the construction of coastal-Scopello San Vito Lo Capo, but following a series of environmental initiatives in the world, culminating in a partecipatissima protest march that took place May 18, 1980, the Regional State Forests of the Sicilian Region is committed to expropriate the area of the Gypsy recognized of great environmental interest.With the Regional Law 98/81, the reserve was officially established, the first nature reserve of Sicily, headed by the company management in the Regional State Forests
The Reserve lies in the western Gulf of Castellammare, in San Vito Lo Capo peninsula overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea between Castellammare del Golfo and Trapani.
The coast is formed from Quaternary calcarenites and limestone hills of dolomitic nature of the Mesozoic, with cliffs from a height of 913 m (Monte Speziale) slope steeply towards the sea, interspersed with numerous coves. The reserve is home to about 670 taxa infragenerici plants, some of which are endemic and rare. Of these 502 are Dicotyledons, Monocotyledons 153 3 10 Pteridophytes and Gymnosperms. Of particular interest is the lichen flora that includes 130 species for the reserve while the mosses are 35 known species. Finally, were detected in the territory of the Reserve also 27 species of fungi (macromycetes) whose family is more representative of the Tricholomataceae. Seagrass species are endemic ripsetto 6.3% of total species of the Reserve and 1, 6% of the flora of the region.
Mediterranean ecosystemsare represented in different, partially modified by residues of agricultural activities.
The original landscape consisted mostly of evergreen Mediterranean forest (forest xerophilous) whose traces are still represented by areas of ilex, where accommodations are small ferns, cyclamen, bushes of holly (Ilex aquifolium), and, at the western border of the Reserve Even fragments of cork, the testimony of the cork oak forest formation now almost completely disappeared in western Sicily.
The currently most peculiar aspect of the Reserve, however, is a palmetto scrubland, which features extensive areas of the coastal landscape and in Contrada Zingaro, where there are specimens of Chamaerops humilis, which reaches 2-3 m in height, is relevant to scrub .
The predominant landscape in coastal areas is characterized by low scrub Spartianus hairy (Calycotome villosa), the broom (Spartium junceum), wild thyme (Thymus vulgaris), the Erica multiflora, the wild olive (Olea europea var.sylvestris ) and the spurge (Euphorbia dendroides). There are also the laurel (Laurus nobilis), mallow (Malva sylvestris), the caper (Capparis spinosa), wild fennel (Foeniculum vulgare). Among the rocky outcrops grow buttercups (Ranunculus rupestris), hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) and the endemic Allium Lehman. Among the species introduced to cultivation include finally the almond (Prunus dulcis), the manna ash (Fraxinus ornus), the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua) and vines (Vitis vinifera).
The Mediterranean grassland to ampelodesma, is the dominant aspect of the plant landscape of the upper part of the Reserve and is represented mainly by the disabled (Ampelodesmos mauritanicus) and the Mediterranean poodle (Hyparrhenia hirta), which also hosts endemic species spinosetto thyme (Thymus spinulosus) The Sicilian iris (Iris pseudopumila), the Zafferanetto Linares (Romulea linares), the larkspur (Delphinium emarginatum) and Silene sicula, and uncommon species such as the esoteric autumn mandrake (Mandragora autumnalis).
Have been described more than 40 endemic species, including the rare deserves a special mention of Todaro lavender (Limonium todaroanum) found at 750 m high cliffs of Mount Passo del Lupo, exclusive of the Gypsy. Also found Limonium scourged, endemic in the exclusive stretch of coast between the Gypsy and Balestrate; Helichrysum rupestre var. rock, Dianthus rupicola, Centaurea ucriae, Brassica bivoniana, Helichrysum pendulum, Seseli bites, Brassica drepanensis, Hieracium cophanense, Minuartia verna subsp. grandiflora, Lithodora rosmarinifolia, Convolvulus cneorum.
The reserve is home to over 25 species of orchids finally including the crescent orchid (Ophrys lunulata), endemic to Sicily, and sub-endemic Branciforte Orchis, Ophrys and oxyrrhynchos Neotinea switched.
Reserve well in 39 species of nesting birds such as peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), one of the last ten couples in Sicily the Bonelli's eagle (Hieraaetus fasciatus), buzzard (Buteo buteo) and the kestrel (Falco tinnunculus); is uncertain but the nesting of the red kite (Milvus Milvus). During the period of migration were also seen specimens of golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and buzzard (Pernis apivorus). Other birds are the Common Raven (Corvus corax), black bunting (Emberiza cirlus), the blue rock thrush (Monticola solitarius), the rock partridge (Alectoris graeca), the seagull (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), the wild pigeon (Columba livia) The Common Swift (Apus apus), the pallid swift (Apus pallidus), the hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix), the magpie (Pica pica), the goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) and the nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos). Among the nocturnal birds are the owl (Athene noctua) and the tawny owl (Strix aluco).
Among the mammals are widespread the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and foxes (Vulpes vulpes). There are also weasels (Mustela nivalis), hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and porcupine (Hystrix cristata), among rodents, the Savi vole (Microtus wise) and the rat dormouse (Eliomys quercinus). In the numerous caves in the Reserve harbored eight different species of bats including the rare brown-eared (Plecotus auritus), the horseshoe (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum), the miniottero (Miniopterus schreibersii) albolimbato and the bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii). In the past, was also present including the monk seal (Monachus monachus), seen for the last time in the caves of Gypsy in 1972.
Among the reptiles are vipers (Vipera aspis), the snake (Coluber viridiflavus), the gongilo (Chalcides ocellatus), gecko (Tarentola mauritanica), the green lizard (Lacerta bilineata) and two species of lizard, Podarcis sicula and the Podarcis wagleriana less common.
In an area rich in the reserve pools of water (for drinking district ACCI) is possible to find a rare species of amphibians, discoglosso painting (Discoglossus pictus), not present in other regions of Italy and one of the rarest arthropod of our country, the freshwater crab (Potamon fluviatile).
They identified several species of insects including the carpenter bee (Xylocopa violacea), a solitary bee which deposits its larvae in tunnels dug into the trunks of dead trees, the beautiful Vanessa atalanta, the only butterfly that spends the winter in these places also to adulthood, the panfago (Pamphagus marmoratus), a large grasshopper could not fly.
A special mention, with reference to coastal marine life, then it deserves the presence of large areas of the Reserve to trottoir vermeti, an important biostructure typical of the Mediterranean Sea, in many ways similar to coral reefs. Its growth is tied to a process of cementing the shells of two species of snails of the family of Vermetidi: the Dendropoma petraeum and Vermetus triquetrus. The importance of this biostructure is related to its ability to change the appearance and ecological characteristics of rocky shores, expanding the space available to the species, encouraging biodiversity of associated populations.
Among the life forms that inhabit the rock pools include the Actinia equina, commonly known as tomato water, and Anemonia sulcata called Venus hair, different species of coral-colored and intense as the Astroides calycularis Parazoanthus axinellae, and numerous species of small fish, including various species of wrasse and blennies, the succiascoglio (Lepadogaster lepadogaster) and redfish (Scorpaena scrofa).
Madonie Park Madonie Park is a regional nature reserve established in 1989, comprises fifteen municipalities in the province of Palermo in Sicily (Caltavuturo, Castelbuono, Castellana Sicula, Cefalù, Collesano, Geraci Siculus, Gratteri, Isnello, Petralia, Petralia Sottana, Polizzi Generosa, Pollina, San Mauro Castelverde, Scylla and Sclafani Bagni). Includes Madonie massif, situated on the northern coast of Sicily, between the rivers and Imera Pollina. The park hosts more than half of plant species in Sicily, and in particular most of those present only in Sicily (Abies nebrodensis as endangered in Vallone Madonna degli Angeli). For fauna, there are over half the species of birds, all species of mammals and more than half of the invertebrate species in Sicily. Noteworthy are also the geological features. The geology Madonie is the focus of studies and research avviatisi since the sixties. Due to the geological interest of the mountain since 2003 madonita Madonie Park has joined the European Geopark Network in groups more than twenty parks geological and non-Europeans. The park is managed by the Park Madonie, based in Petralia Sottana and covers 39,941 hectares, divided into four separate areas to protect: • A: Area of reserve, in which thenatural environment is preserved in its integrity and that is, in all its natural attributes, especially in individuality of biological populations and in their independence. In such areas are identified, in principle, ecosystems and ecotones (or parts thereof) of great naturalistic interest, presenting a relatively minimal human activity. For these areas, the Park Authority Madonie proceeded gradually acquiring the relevant areas; • B: Area of the general reserve which is forbidden to build new buildings, expand existing buildings, perform works by transforming the area. In these areas may be permitted by the management of the park uses agro-forestry-pastoral and strictly necessary infrastructure such as access roads, improvement works and reconstruction of natural environments. Within these areas are identified, in principle, ecosystems and ecotones (or parts thereof) of high quality nature and landscape with higher degree of human activity in relation to Area A; • C: Protection Zone which may only be buildings, building transformations and specifically aimed at exploiting the land for establishing the Park as tourist facilities, cultural and parking areas; • D: Control Area in which all activities are allowed provided they are compatible with the purposes of the park. Madonie Mountains, which border on the two thousand meters high, are broken down into a mosaic of blocks, which is only apparent physical uniformity. It will not be difficult for many to recognize the substantial differences between the central areas of limestone, with morphology rough and tough, and remote areas, to sandy-clayey nature, characterized by morphology much sweeter. Madonie'm represented in the fossil record, allowing you to speculate on the original environment of the area. They were thus reconstructed landscapes with great ocean reefs secondary age, then covered in the Tertiary on their way between Africa and Europe from sediments of various kinds. For example, one such comes Cozzo Rosolocollo foraminifera (the fusuline), bivalve molluscs, and even sponges (sponges) and algae dating back to the age of approximately 250 million years. The rocks in which they are among the oldest known sedimentary rocks in Sicily, together with those found at Lercara Friddi and Palazzo Adriano. Still on the road to meet Portella Colla calcareous clay and greenish or yellowish bluish gray limestone whose content consists of bivalves and gastropods hands cemented together to form the so-called lumachelle. On the rocks of the rocky banks are Mufara dolomitic nature of the content of fossils, typical of reef environments, allows us to date the formation of 200 to 150 million years ago. The rocks are dolomitization as well as Monte Quacella (the Alps, Sicily, known as the eminent botanist Lojacono Pojer), even in the wall of Cozzo Dipilato (Isnello above), however when you open several caves, interesting from the point of view archaeological artefacts dating from the Upper Palaeolithic. Piano Battaglia in the beautiful landscape of the gray carbonate rocks include fossils testifying sediments of different ages: the case of a cliff Jurassic period (150 million years ago) built by organisms such as corals and other coelenterates fouling, in the lower layer can be observed instead sponges and corals of the Triassic age. The karst is a phenomenon well-represented in the Madonie; karst processes resulted in one of the most picturesque spots in these mountains. The surface manifestations are represented by sinkholes, death valleys, sinkholes, underground caves, wells and real deep. Superficial ones are the most obvious aspect of karst Madonie, especially in Carbonara, where karst processes appear to have started about two million years ago, during the Quaternary, especially in developing glacial phases. These processes are still active, both the climatic characteristics determined by high rainfall (more than twice the regional average), and the persistence of the snowpack at higher altitudes, allowing a prolonged corrosion. They met at least four sinkholes, most of which are located above 1600 meters of altitude. Another form of karst is particularly interesting to Battaglietta Piano Battaglia and, moreover, one of the best known of Sicily. The two depressions, with the bottom of sinkholes, represent the largest and most beautiful karst landscape of the complex Carbonara, by the many sinkholes, blind valleys and sinkholes, is an area of study, from the scientific point of view, between the most important in Italy. The underground karst caves is represented by a horizontal and vertical development wells and depths, corresponding to processes occurring during the early stages of slow lifting of the region, the latter processes occurring in coincidence of phases of rapid uplift. The cavities are mostly in solid Dipilato Pizzo, Balatelle Monte, Monte Ferro and Cozzo Carcarella. Near Isnello of formations are spectacular, as the Abyss of the Wind, the Cave of mosquitoes and the Cave of the Straw.
The areas most natural Madonie remain as mountain, most of which is covered by forests, scrubland, scrub and grassland rich in herbaceous plants and shrubs.
There are several species of endemic plants, ie, exclusive of the sun Madonie or Sicily.
The case certainly best known of endemism is madonita Nebrodi fir (Abies nebrodensis) which owes its name to the fact that in ancient times to mean the Nebrodi Madonie; for the same reason many species of plants and animals described in this complex range named "nebrodensis", which today can lead to misunderstandings. Have been surveyed now less than thirty specimens, concentrated in the Vallone Madonna degli Angeli at an altitude of between 1400 and 1650 meters. In recent times, after a careful design of in situ conservation has begun to produce cones with fertile seeds, and this bodes well for its long-term preservation. Accurate searches were conducted by the University of Palermo in order to ascertain whether there is a risk of hybridization with the specimens of spruce or white spruce planted in Kefalonia, after reforestation projects in areas surrounding all'areale dell'Abies nebrodensis .
Another endemic species is of considerable interest Nebrodi astragalus (also exclusive of the sun Madonie), a shrubby tree bearing spiny-shaped, very similar to the talus Etna and vegetating over 1200 meters.
We still remember the broom Cupani, a small broom with similar characteristics to the talus (bush-shaped bearing spiny), particularly common in Monte Catarineci, the Sicilian fairy flax, exclusive of Quacella the Alisso Nebrodi, garlic Nebrodi Nebrodi and purple.
Plants of particular bio-geographic meaning is still the mountain flax, present not only on Madonie (Quacella), even in the Balkans and in some mountain areas of North Africa, Sicily sorcerers, isolatasi probably during the Quaternary and evolved from the wizards Syria, and finally the very elegant and rare royal fern, tied to sources and peat areas in the woods or on the edge of them.
The band between 400 and 100 meters above sea level is characterized by a temperate Mediterranean climate vegetation (oak forest), which are well represented species such as heather, the Spartianus spiny broom, the cyst and the Strawberry Tree. A discrete Madonie surface is covered by evergreen and deciduous forests, typically Mediterranean formations in part and in part typical of central Europe. The most common species are oak, the oak, the cork oak, holly, oak and beech.
Of particular interest is the oak forest of Monte Quacella, where their encounter with the typical Mediterranean oak beech, instead of the typical central Europe. The fact is unusual because the two plant formations, beech and oak forest, usually the intervening mixed oak deciduous or another type of vegetation characterized by holly, oak and elm mountain.
The cork, like the oak, a tree is typically Mediterranean vegetation Madonie between 40 and 1000 meters, sometimes mixed with oaks and oak, the oak grows mainly in a band ranging from 400 to 1200 meters above sea level, often associated with other species. The holly tree that can reach fifty feet in height (such as the nucleus of exceptional Piano Pomo), is an evergreen species characterizing a type of wood usually found among the formations of Mediterranean oak forest and beech forests and often s'associa the mountain oak and elm. The oak may be present, though rarely, in training as well as a meal plan and Pomieri.
In the range between 1000 and 1500 meters above sea level is found in a particular type of vegetation according to the botanical features "crocuses band" (the name of Colchis Caucasus where it is well represented). This is a part of an evergreen forest in temperate humid climate, dominated by the holly and the oak, maple which s'associano of Hungary, the mountain elm, hawthorn of Sicily, the crab-apple tree, the holly, Daphnia Laurella, etc ... will be found also deciduous species such as oaks, oak, beech, and sycamore.
Finally, the beech grows above 1000 meters of finding its optimum at 1600-1700 m altitude; Madonie reaches the extreme southern limit of the western species, which is particularly widespread in Central Europe.
Broom
In spring the abundance of water gives rise to a massive bloom of plants. The dominant colors are green clovers, vetch and wheat of the sulleti of red, yellow of the gorse on the edge of waterways. In rocky areas and highest in the park, flowering only takes place between late May and June, with orchids, peonies, roses dog, the wild lilies. At the first spring sunshine here is the white flowers of heather trees, pears Mandorlini or blackthorn. And still that of pink daffodils, species infesting wild charm. In fall within the spot and under the great oaks of the park fruiting strawberry tree, the rowan and azzeruoli
Animal as there are foxes (Vulpes vulpes), weasel (Mustela nivalis), porcupines (or hedgehogs), hares (Lepus europaeus), wild rabbits, iil rare dormice (Muscardinus avellanarius), wildcats (Felis silvestris), pine martens (Martes martes), dormice (Glis glis). For birds we can mention the species linked to the bush and the forest: blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla), great tits (Parus major), blue tits (Parus caeruleus), more tits (Parus ater), subalpine warblers, warbler, nuthatches (Sitta europaea) , Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major), biking (Certhia familiaris), blackbirds, wrens and even firecrests and the raven.
During the winter it is quite common in the undergrowth the woodcock, which uses during the night in the glades and pastures to the forest to search for food. Birds of prey are the golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), whose wingspan of over two meters, or the smaller Bonelli's eagle, peregrine falcons, Lanari, kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), hobbies and buzzards (Buteo buteo) and yet fools, little owls (Athene noctua), scops owls (Otus scops) and barn owls (Tyto alba).
In rocky areas can be observed thrushes, replaced by over 1400 meters codirossini rare, and still muciatti buntings, Northern Wheatear, flounder lagie, redstart and Chough, in serious decline throughout Europe, while they still live in a decent Madonie population, who used to play some karst manifestations, such as sinkholes. Another common inhabitant of the rocks Madonie is the rock partridge, in many areas of Sicily, now thin or missing, but still very present in these mountains and widespread.
Are missing the deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), wild boar and the wolf (Canis lupus), once a well-circulated. Even among the birds have become extinct species like the great bearded vulture (whose wing span of nearly three meters), the Mina Palumbo is still in the nineteenth century in the nesting cliff Gonato, or griffon vulture, whose last specimens were observed just a couple of decades ago. At one time also lived the eagle owl, which is now extinct in Sicily.
The fauna of the rivers is very thin in recent years due to water catchment areas and interventions nell'alveo of rivers by man. While they are still widespread and the white wagtail wagtail, it is doubtful if there is still some residual population of dipper (Cinclus cinclus), a species adapted to aquatic life.
Although reptiles and amphibians are well represented in Madonie: lizards, gongili, luscengole, geckos, white lead, water snakes, vipers, frogs, toads and Discoglosso are present and widespread in suitable environments.
Invertebrates include several endemic species such as the "Apollo of Parnassus Sicily", an elegant butterfly exclusive of the highest areas, the "Platicleide of Conci," a kind of grasshopper, and, among the beetles, the "Rizotrogo Romano" and "Schurmann of Sicily." At high altitudes there are still grasshopper Stenobotro underlined the afodio of Zenker, Boreal and Sicilian, whose food source is in the dung of herbivores, and Carabo gliding.